The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm fixing up a Pathé Model VII. She's up and running, and everything is working as it should. It's all down to taking care of details and (eventually) replacing the mica on the reproducer.

Right now, it's the lid. The piano hinge is shot, and will need to be replaced. The screw holes are a problem, though, as the distance between the center two is different than that between every other.

What's the consensus on replacement for this sort of thing: Get a hinge drilled with custom holes, or just get a nice 15" hinge and make do?

The other lid issue . . . does anyone have a photo or description of what is used to attach the prop bar to the lid? I have it jury rigged right now, and would love to get a permanent fix in place. I have the prop bar, I have the bit of hardware that's attached to the lid--I'm missing what hitches them together.

My first choice would be to buy a blank piano hinge and custom drill the holes myself. If you don't have a drill press, Harbor Freight has frequent sales on bench-top drill presses for $50. Google "blank piano hinge" and you will find some online sources for 6' long blank hinges of various dimensions. Even if you did go with an off-the-shelf hinge, the old holes would not be visible. I can't help you with the lid prop.

Usually what attaches the lit prop to the plate on the lid is a rivet, made loose enough that the piece cab move. Until you can get it fixed try using a very short nut and bolt.

I have had this one in my queue to restore for a while, I just keep picking up victor machines that seem to bump it down. hope the pictures help.

I have it attached with exactly that right now--a short bolt and nut, with a plastic washer between the prop bar and the lid hardware. Not suite sure how to manage a rivet on this thing, or what would make a good stand-in for such that wouldn't work itself loose. The hinge situation is now being worked out, though, thanks to a family member who is handy with such things.

On an entirely different topic, have any of you replaced the mica on the reproducer? Above a certain volume level and/or pitch, the sound gets pretty screechy. There seems to be a bit of a buckle or flaw in the mica (it's fully intact, but it's not transparent in one spot). My guess is that a replacement is in order. How difficult is this as a DIY? The gaskets are like concrete on this thing. Are there instructions anywhere?

For reproducer or any other phono repairs, I'd suggest that you get Eric Reiss's The Compleat Talking Machine. It is full of good information of repairs, restoration, etc.
Harvey Kravitz

Thanks for the recommendation! I now have a copy of the book. What a great resource. I may even attempt to replate the brake and speed control plate now.

I have one of these that I got at a farm auction for $15.00. $5.00 for the cabinet and turntable and $10.00 for the motor. When were these made? I was thinking 1918 or somewhere in there.

Yep, It's a rivet.

Here's a shot of the bucktail.